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Guided Walking at Alnmouth

Activity types:

Level

Difficulty indicator

Difficulty is measured on many factors such as distance, ascent/descent, terrain, weather and more. There's no magic formula, but from our experience we use yellow for easy, orange for medium and red for hard. Challenger holidays require a high level of fitness and stamina.

Holiday overview

Discover England’s last frontier, home to castles, never-ending seascapes and tales of border battles. Our Guided Walking holidays in Northumberland will introduce you to the hidden gems of this unspoilt county, including sweeping sandy beaches and the remote wild beauty of the Cheviot and Simonside Hills.

In pictures...

Accommodation

Nether Grange occupies a wonderful seaside location in the historic village of Alnmouth. With both historic character and modern facilities, it is a wonderful base for a relaxing holiday.

Bedrooms

Nether Grange has 35 bedrooms, a number of which enjoy views across the golf links to the sea.

Our classic bedrooms offer comfortable accommodation and an en-suite bathroom with bath or shower. They also have TV, hairdryer, and tea and coffee making facilities. Single rooms are available for an extra £8 per night.

You can enjoy extra space or exceptional views plus additional facilities including a towelling robe and complimentary slippers when you upgrade to a premium bedroom. Premium rooms are available at just £5 extra per person per night.

If you are travelling with your family, we have a selection of 3 and 4-bedded family bedrooms. These have all the facilities of our classic rooms plus full sized twin or double beds for adults and bunk beds or occasional beds for children.

A limited number of value twin rooms are available at a discount of £8 per person per night and value single rooms with a £5 per night discount. Our value rooms have the same facilities as our classic rooms, but bathroom facilities are nearby rather than en-suite.

All our Country Houses are tailored to the needs of walkers and outdoor enthusiasts and have excellent boot and drying rooms.

Nether Grange makes good use of its excellent seaside location, with a large lounge and attractive dining room with sea views. Free WiFi is available in some public rooms. There is also a range of board games and books.

Outdoors is an attractive elevated terrace and croquet lawn which enjoys superb views over the golf links to the sea.

The conservatory is adjacent to the bar and houses the Dandelion Café during the day. There is also a ballroom on the lower floor. This flexible space can be used for dancing, evening talks or as a light and airy painting studio.

The Dandelion Café serves a range of coffee and speciality leaf teas, plus snacks and sandwiches. It is also licensed, serving beer, spirits, and a variety of wines from around the world. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am – 5pm. Everyone welcome.

All holidays at our Country Houses are Full Board with all meals included, from dinner on arrival to breakfast on the day of your departure.

Start your day with our extensive breakfast. Choose from a wide selection on the cold buffet and/or a full cooked breakfast. Maybe enjoy a lighter option of fruit and yoghurt followed by scrambled egg, go for porridge followed by a full English breakfast, or select something in between.

Choose from our famous self-select picnic lunches - everything you need to keep you going on a day outdoors. Your own choice of sandwiches is prepared to order, and you can add crisps and snacks, fruit, nuts, chocolate bars, sweets and biscuits as you wish.

The relaxed dinner is a highlight of any stay at our Country Houses. With tables seating up to 10 and no seating plan, it offers a great opportunity to get to know your fellow guests. There is always a choice of dishes for every course, featuring good British cooking and often local specialities. A vegetarian option is always available.

All our Country Houses have a well-stocked bar serving local beers, wine and spirits.

Guided Walking: enjoy a glass of wine or local beer in the bar before a talk about the next day's walks. After dinner there will be an activity or entertainment which you will be welcome to join. These vary from week to week but could include a talk on Northumberland's rich wildlife from a local speaker or a team quiz. Alternatively if you prefer, feel free to just relax in our lounge or bar.

Leisure Activities: many of our Leisure Activities holidays continue into the evening with programmed sessions. Other holidays will have the evenings free, and you will be welcome to join in other social activities that may be happening in the house.

Self-Guided Walking: there may be evening social activities happening in the house during your holiday, and you will be most welcome to join in. However, not all self-guided holidays will have evening activities available – if these are important to you, please check before booking.

Conservatory is 5.1m x 13.6m with, movable wicker furniture. A small water feature

The ballroom is 5.1m x 13.6m. Accessed from the bar via 4 steps (60cm high in total)

Movable chairs along the walls

The library and games room is 4.7m x 6.8m

Public WCs

The toilets are available on the lower ground floor

Toilet height 40cm, door width 75cm

The flooring is non-slip and there is good colour contrast

Dining room & bar

The dining room is on the ground floor and has level access.

Table height is 72cm, underspace of 65cm high x 150cm wide

Tables have legs in each corner. Furniture is easily movable

Breakfast service is self service cold buffet with assistance available, if required. Table service for hot meals & drinks

Dinner service is waitress service

Bedrooms

Room 4

This is the room best suited for anyone requiring wheelchair access. The en-suite room is located on the ground floor of The Towers

The room size is 3.4m x 4.96m. Door width 87cm. Twin beds, 51cm high

The en-suite bathroom is 1.3m x 2.4m. Bathroom door is 96cm wide

Toilet height is 42cm, the wash basin 79cm high. There is a pullcord light which can be reached from any height. Support rails by the toilet

The shower tray is 2.4m long and there is a shower chair attached to the wall. One step of 12cm in height to enter the shower. Safety flooring

Other Bedrooms

There is another twin room (5) on the ground floor of The Towers, but the bathroom is not as suitable for anyone with restricted mobility as in room 4

The rest of the bedrooms are on the first and second floor of the main House.

All bedrooms are carpeted

The rooms are a mixture of single and twin rooms, the majority of the rooms are en-suite, some are with wash basin only with public facilities available nearby

Most of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms. These are a mixture of showers and baths

Most bathrooms have safety floor, a few have vinyl flooring, carpet or tiled floor

Additional information

Fire procedure is displayed in each room and explained to guests on arrival. Guests requiring assistance at an evacuation are identified at this time and door hanger cards are issued

Mobile phone reception is generally good from the main building

Assistance dogs accompanying visually or hearing impaired guests are welcome; dogs must be kept on a lead or harness at all times

Information can be provided in large print

Staff have received disability awareness training

Special diets can be catered for. Specialist food can be obtained with prior notice

Fridge for medication can be supplied

Itinerary

Our experienced guides offer the choice of up to three different walks each day – you can choose an Easier Walk one day and switch to a Harder Walk the next.

Easier Walks

Medium Walks

Harder Walks

We’ve a fantastic selection of walks for 2017 - see below.

Group A: Along the Northumberland coast

Depending on tide times, these walks may be taken in the opposite direction.

Easier Walk: From Alnmouth we follow the Northumberland Coast Path northwards, with a lovely mixture of beach walking and low cliffs, passing Boulmer, the Howick Bathing House and Cullernose Point, to reach the tiny fishing port of Craster, famous for its kippers. 7.5 miles (12.5km) with 450 feet (140m) of ascent.

Medium Walk: We follow the route of the Easier walk to Craster, then continue northwards and pass the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, finishing in the village of Embleton. 10.5 miles (17km) with 700 feet (220m) of ascent.

Harder Walk: We take the same route as the Medium Walk as far as Dunstanburgh Castle, but then continue across Embleton Bay beach, and round Newton Point, to finish at High Newton. 12.5 miles (20km) with 700 feet (220m) of ascent.

Group B: Ancient trails west of Wooler

Easier Walk: From the village of Kirknewton we join the route of St. Cuthbert’s Way, climbing onto the northern edge of the Cheviot hills, past Tom Tallon’s Crag, with fine views into Scotland, and then descend by moorland and forest tracks to the little market town of Wooler. 7 miles (11km) with 1,050 feet (320m) of ascent.

Medium Walk: The walk starts just south of Wooler, and follows a woodland path through Happy Valley, then alongside the Carey Burn with its plentiful wildlife. We join St. Cuthbert’s Way to cross Wooler Common and then ascend to the battle site of Humbleton Hill, before returning to Wooler. 9 miles (15km) with 1,450 feet (440m) of ascent.

Harder Walk: From Kirknewton we circle round West Hill and make a fairly steep ascent onto Yeavering Bell. The view from here is one of the finest in the whole of the Cheviot range. Descending to cross the moor we follow St. Cuthbert's Way into Wooler. 9.5 miles (15.5km) with 1,750 feet (540m) of ascent.

Group C: The Meadows, Hulne Park and Alnwick

Easier Walk: From Denwick Bridge we follow the River Aln, past Alnwick Castle and into Hulne Deer Park, part of the Duke of Northumberland’s estate. Here we’ll see the striking remains of Hulne Priory, before returning to the historic town of Alnwick. 7 miles (11.5km) with 800 feet (240m) of ascent.

Medium Walk: We follow the route of the Easier Walk as far as Hulne Deer Park, where we take the full circular route, climbing to Brizlee Tower for fine views of the surrounding countryside, and visiting Hulne Priory, before returning to historic Alnwick. 10 miles (16km) with 1,150 feet (360m) of ascent.

Harder Walk: From Denwick village we follow by-ways and paths down to the River Aln, then pass Alnwick Castle on our way to Hulne Deer Park. Here we will visit the ruins of Hulne Priory and climb to Brizlee Tower, before making our way back to Alnwick. 12 miles (19.5km) with 1,200 feet (380m) of ascent.

Group D: Rothbury and the Simonside Hills

Easier Walk: From Rothbury we climb up to the winding carriage drive, which loops round the forests and moorland of Lord Armstrong’s Cragside Estate, giving fine views of the Cheviot and Simonside Hills. Our return route to Rothbury descends gently via Physic Lane and across fields. 7 miles (11.5km) with 1,100 feet (340m) of ascent.

Medium Walk: From Rothbury we head westwards by lane and fieldpaths to the village of Thropton, then climb steadily through woodland to the summit of Dove Crag, on the Simonside Hills. We descend back into Rothbury via the Beacon and Garleigh Moor, with its ancient cup-and-ring stones. 9 miles (14.5km) with 1,450 feet (440m) of ascent.

Harder Walk: From Rothbury we climb via Garleigh Moor to walk the length of the Simonside Hills, with panoramic views up Coquetdale and into the Cheviots. After a steep descent from the summit, we drop down through woodland to Thropton, then climb again to follow part of the carriage-drive back into Rothbury. 10.5 miles (17km) with 1,900 feet (580m) of ascent.

Group E: Exploring Northumberland’s early history

Easier Walk: Today is split into two, the order of which depends on the tide times. The total distance of both walks combined is 6 miles (10km) with minimal ascent.

Discover the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the jewel of the Northumberland Coast. Our walk takes in vistas of a romantic castle, a medieval priory, wildlife and many wonderful views. The other half of our day is spent exploring the wilder side of the Bamburgh Coast, admiring castles and islands on distant horizons. Wide sandy bays, nature and history combine on this remarkable walk along the Northumberland Coast.

Medium Walk: From High Newton we reach the coast, and walk along the sands to Beadnell’s old harbour and lime kilns. Passing through the village we rejoin the beach, and cross golf links to the busy port of Seahouses, with excellent views of the Farne Islands. We then continue to Bamburgh, seat of the early Northumbrian Kings. 10 miles (16km) with 400 feet (120m) of ascent.

Harder Walk: From Embleton we head down to join the coastal path, which winds through the dunes to Low Newton. From here our route is a mixture of pleasant, open farmland and wide, impressive beaches, via Beadnell and Seahouses, to our finishing point in the shadow of the iconic castle at Bamburgh. 12 miles (19km) with 450 feet (140m) of ascent.

2017 Walking Programmes

7 night holidays:5 days of walking. Friday starts have a free day on the Monday, Saturday starts have a free day on the Wednesday whilst Monday starts have a free day on the Friday.Walks A-E: all 7 night holidays.

Holiday information

Terrain and transport: Easier Walks have mostly gentle gradients. Medium Walks are on good, but occasionally rough and steep, paths. Harder Walks have some steep sections on rough and boggy paths.

On some days the walks start or finish at our Country House, Nether Grange; on other days we use hired transport at the start and/or end of the walks. The cost of all transport to and from the walks is included in the price of your holiday.

Our guests: The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. There is normally a good mix of ages, of new guests and 'regulars' from Britain and overseas, and of people travelling alone, with a partner or with friends.

Free day: Each seven night holiday has a day without any organised walks, so you can explore Northumberland independently.

In the evenings: Your leaders will inform you about the choice of walks for the next day and answer any questions you may have. After a sociable evening meal you could join in an organised activity such as a quiz or a talk about the local area, relax in the bar or use the Country House facilities.

Local area

Discover Northumberland

Nether Grange sits right at the heart of the historic coastal village of Alnmouth. Located right on the North Sea coast there is a sweeping sandy beach and a small tidal harbour. Facilities include a handful of small shops, pubs and cafés.

A wider range of facilities, including shops, supermarkets, banks and chemists can be found in Alnwick, the nearest town. Alnwick is about four miles inland and is connected to Alnmouth by regular buses.

During your visit to the Nether Grange you may enjoy visiting the following places of interest:

Alnwick Castle & gardens The huge Alnwick Castle is a big attraction in its own right and has gained a younger audience since being used as ‘Hogwarts Castle’ in the Harry Potter films. The gardens have undergone extensive rebuilding and are now the main draw for many visitors. Alnwick is just 10 to 15 minutes' drive from Alnmouth, and can also be reached using the hourly X18 bus. www.alnwickcastle.com or www.alnwickgarden.com

Bamburgh CastleOwned by the Armstrong family since the 1750s, Bamburgh Castle occupies a splendid position above the sweeping sands of the North Sea coast. Bamburgh is 35 minutes' drive from Alnmouth, and can also be reached using the 501 local bus which runs every other hour. www.bamburghcastle.com

Farne Islands Take a boat trip (weather permitting) from Seahouses to the Farne Islands; one of the best places in Britain to view seals and puffins. Seahouses is around 45 minutes' drive from Alnmouth, and can also be reached using the 501 bus. www.farne-islands.com

Lindisfarne English Christianity was born in 7th century Northumberland and Lindisfarne Priory, is its oldest major site, dating from 635AD. It is located on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, cut off by the tides twice a day (make sure that you check the tide times before you visit). The Heritage Centre tells the stories of St Aidan, St Cuthbert and St Bede and displays the 8th century Lindisfarne Gospels in electronic form. Linisfarne is just under an hour's drive from Alnmouth. www.english-heritage.org.uk/lindisfarne-priory

Warkworth CastleWarkworth Castle, a few miles to the south of Alnmouth, towers over a bend in the River Coquet and the picturesque town of Warkworth. Warkworth is just 10 minutes' drive from Alnmouth, and can also be reached using the 518 bus. www.english-heritage.org.uk/warkworth-castle

Cragside HouseBuilt by Victorian industrial magnate William Armstrong, Cragside House was hugely innovative and was the first house in Britain to be lit by electric light. Now managed by the National Trust, the house and gardens are a fascinating visit. Cragside is around 40 minutes' drive from Alnmouth. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside

Seaton Delaval HallSeaton Delaval Hall is a fine stately home, designed by John Vambrugh and completed in 1728. Following an extensive fundraising appeal it has recently been purchased by the National Trust. The hall is around 40 minutes' drive from Alnmouth. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/seaton-delaval-hall

Newcastle-upon-TyneThe vibrant city of Newcastle is always bustling with activity and is famed for its shopping and lively nightlife. The new Baltic arts centre and Sage Gallery are well worth a visit. Newcastle is just under an hour's drive from Alnmouth, and can also be reached by hourly local bus.

Hadrian’s WallAround 1½ hours drive from Nether Grange, Hadrian’s Wall remains a powerful symbol of the Roman Empire. The most dramatic section is from Once Brewed to Housteads Roman Fort and a walk here enables you to see some of the best preserved sections at close quarters. Two museums of note are the Roman Army Museum near Walltown you can gain an insight into the daily lives of Roman soldiers, and Vindolanda Roman Fort with its collection of rare Roman artefacts. www.visithadrianswall.co.uk

Travel

Travel to Alnmouth

By train:

The nearest railway station is Alnmouth, on the main line between Newcastle and Edinburgh. For train times and general rail enquiries visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 03457 484950 (from outside the UK call +44 20 7278 5240).

By taxi:

The 1 mile journey from Alnmouth railway station takes approximately 5 minutes. Pre-booked taxis cost approx £6. Details of our current recommended taxi company and rates will be sent to you with your booking. The return taxi journey can be arranged on your behalf by the Nether Grange Manager.

By car:

Take the A1 to Alnwick. Exit on the A1068 heading towards Alnwick. At the roundabout turn right (not well signed) and follow the A1068 towards Alnmouth. After 2¾ miles go straight ahead at the first roundabout then left at the second roundabout onto the B1338. As you approach Alnmouth cross the bridge, then turn right at the roundabout into the centre of the village. Turn left into Pease’s Lane. Nether Grange is on the left. Please note that Nether Grange does not have a car park, however free parking available on the streets around Nether Grange.

Reviews

Date & Rating

Customer Review

HF Holidays says

27 Nov 2016, 11:34 a.m.

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Service review:

Excellent, as usual

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Good

14 Nov 2016, 4:27 p.m.

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+

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+

Service review:

Not as good value as they used to be....

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doesnt deserve an excellent as standard not as high as they should have been

14 Nov 2016, 9:25 a.m.

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Reliable.

Product review:

A very well managed house with helpful and friendly staff.

1 Nov 2016, 9:14 p.m.

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+

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Service review:

Good though could not get booking required on web site. Helpful on phone.Accommodation comfortable if a little quirky.

Product review:

Excellent walks with excellent and knowledgeable leaders.

31 Oct 2016, 7:16 p.m.

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+

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Service review:

Booking experience, information, travel advice all good and efficient.

Product review:

Walks well organised and enjoyable. Would comment that on the 3 day walking holiday I would have preferred at least one local walk around the hotel base area, which was in a lovely coastal location, instead of having to travel on coach 30-45 mins each way on all three days.

31 Oct 2016, 6:50 p.m.

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Wonderful hotel, great food, friendly staff. Enjoyed the evening entertainment. A great holiday for people on their own.

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Excellent, friendly, well-informed walk leaders.

31 Oct 2016, 4:41 p.m.

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Service review:

Was lovely.. if a bit busy

Product review:

All were fine but had too long to wait for trip back on the last day but understand there were restraints with tides etc

31 Oct 2016, 10:44 a.m.

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+

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Service review:

The online process was down but the member of staff I spoke to was helpful and courteous

Product review:

This was my fourth time at Alnmouth. The staff are great! The food is excellent! And you've listened to earlier comments and the wi-if has improved enormously

27 Oct 2016, 1:42 p.m.

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Service review:

Booked online.Got some more info from Live-chatSent good info before I went.

Product review:

Great place, Good staff, walks and comfort and food!Very well organised and made sociable for solo travellers.